China-funded stadium in Cambodia handed over in ceremony

A handover ceremony of the China-funded Morodok Techo National Stadium was held in Phnom Penh on Sunday with the presence of the Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Speaking at the event, Hun Sen said the stadium was the fruit of close cooperation between Cambodia and China. The stadium, which will serve the Southeast Asian Games in May 2023, will help Cambodia to develop and popularize sports.

Meanwhile, Wang said the stadium was the largest sports complex that China had ever provided to its foreign friends with grants. It is a true picture of friendly cooperation between Cambodia and China, as well as an important symbol of a long-standing friendship of two nations.

"I hope that the Cambodian people and athletes will enjoy their sports events at this stadium and hope that Cambodian athletes will make more achievements in the 2023 SEA Games," Wang added.

Developed by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation under China's grant aid, the project started in August 2017 and was fully completed last month. The 39.9-meter-tall structure was built in the shape of a "sailing ship", surrounded by an ancient Angkor-style moat.

The stadium will be used to host major tournaments such as football, rugby and athletics, as well as large-scale exhibitions or cultural events.